Choosing the right orthodontist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your or your child’s long-term dental health. At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontic team brings advanced training, years of clinical experience, and a genuine commitment to results that go beyond straight teeth.
We offer braces and Invisalign across all six of our Dallas-area locations, with free consultations and flexible payment plans designed to make treatment accessible for every family. Whether you’re exploring options for your child or finally getting the treatment you’ve been putting off for yourself, we’re here to give you a clear, honest picture of what’s possible.
Book a free consultation at the Thrive location nearest you.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional two to three years of advanced education after dental school, exclusively focused on diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. That specialized training is what allows an orthodontist to manage complex bite corrections, jaw discrepancies, and growth-related issues that go beyond what a general dentist can address.
At Thrive, orthodontic treatment is performed by orthodontists — not general dentists moonlighting in braces. The distinction matters for the quality and predictability of your outcome, especially in complex cases. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, only orthodontists have the specialized training required to diagnose and comprehensively manage orthodontic problems.
Metal or Clear braces give you maximum control of your smile.
Removable clear aligners straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.
Orthodontic problems don’t always announce themselves. Many patients live for years with bite issues that are quietly causing wear, gum problems, or jaw strain without connecting those symptoms to misalignment. Our orthodontic team evaluates all of the following:
Left untreated, these issues can lead to accelerated tooth wear, increased cavity and gum disease risk, jaw joint problems, and in some cases facial asymmetry. Orthodontic treatment addresses the root cause — not just the appearance.
For a detailed breakdown of what we look for at an evaluation, see our guide on 9 signs you or your child need braces.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have erupted that our team can identify developing issues early — often before they’ve become problems that require more complex treatment.
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. Many children benefit from a period of monitoring before active treatment begins. But in some cases, intervening early — with an expander, limited braces, or other appliances — can guide jaw growth and tooth eruption in a direction that significantly simplifies full treatment later.
If you haven’t brought your child in for an orthodontic evaluation and they’re 7 or older, now is the right time. The evaluation is quick, informative, and gives you a clear picture of what to expect as their smile develops.
Braces remain the most versatile and effective orthodontic treatment available. Custom brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that our team adjusts at regular intervals, apply precise and continuous pressure to move teeth into ideal alignment.
We offer three types of braces at Thrive:
Metal braces are the gold standard — highly effective for cases of all complexities, the most affordable option, and equally suitable for children, teens, and adults. Rubber band colors can be changed at every appointment, which kids love.
Ceramic (clear) braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend with natural enamel, offering the effectiveness of traditional braces with a significantly more discreet appearance. A popular choice for image-conscious teens and adults.
Adult braces deserve their own mention because adult orthodontic treatment is more common than most people realize — and just as effective. We treat adult patients of all ages, and we design treatment plans that account for existing dental work and adult lifestyles.
Treatment time with braces is typically 12–36 months depending on case complexity. All braces treatment at Thrive includes complimentary retainers and whitening for life after treatment is complete.
Invisalign is a bracket-free alternative to braces using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. You wear each set for one to two weeks, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss.
For adults and older teens who want a discreet treatment experience — and the freedom to eat without restrictions and brush normally throughout treatment — Invisalign is an excellent option. We also offer Invisalign Teen for younger patients with built-in compliance indicators and replacement aligner policies.
Invisalign works well for mild to moderate alignment and bite issues. For complex cases, traditional braces may give our team more precise control over tooth movement. We’ll give you a direct, clinical recommendation at your consultation rather than defaulting to whichever option costs more.
An orthodontic expander is an appliance used most commonly in younger patients to widen the upper jaw, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and improve how the upper and lower arches fit together. Early intervention with an expander can simplify or even eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.
Expanders are most effective when used during childhood or early adolescence while the palate suture is still open and responsive to gentle expansion forces. If our orthodontic team recommends an expander for your child, it’s worth taking that recommendation seriously — the window for this type of treatment doesn’t stay open indefinitely.
The end of active orthodontic treatment is not the end of your orthodontic journey. Retainers are essential to maintaining your results long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions — particularly in the first year after treatment — and only consistent retainer wear prevents this from happening.
We include retainers with all orthodontic treatment at Thrive and provide clear guidance on wear schedule. Most patients transition to nighttime-only retainer wear after an initial full-time period. The retainer is your smile’s long-term insurance polic
Broken brackets, poking wires, loose bands, and lost aligners don’t wait for regular business hours. Our emergency orthodontist team sees urgent cases quickly — call us and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. In the meantime, orthodontic wax covers any sharp or irritating hardware while you wait for your appointment.
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. We treat adults through their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond, and teeth move effectively at any age with proper orthodontic mechanics.
Common reasons adults seek orthodontic care include relapse from not wearing retainers after teenage treatment, never having received treatment as a child, or wanting to address bite issues that have caused wear or jaw discomfort over time. Adult braces and Invisalign are both excellent options for adult patients, and we design treatment plans that fit adult schedules and account for any existing dental work.
Many adults find that completing orthodontic treatment also opens the door to other improvements — cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, or veneers — that become much more effective and look more natural once the underlying alignment is corrected.
Every orthodontic journey at Thrive starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Here’s what happens:
Our orthodontic team will take X-rays and photos of your teeth and bite, perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation, and discuss their findings with you in plain language. If treatment is recommended, we’ll walk you through your options — including which approach best suits your specific case, realistic timeline, and total cost with and without insurance. If treatment isn’t indicated, we’ll tell you that too.
There’s no pressure and no commitment required at the consultation. Our goal is to give you everything you need to make a well-informed decision at whatever pace feels right for you.
Orthodontic specialists. Orthodontic treatment at Thrive is performed by orthodontists with advanced degrees and specialized training — not general dentists offering braces as a side service. That distinction directly affects the precision and quality of your results.
Six convenient Dallas-area locations. With locations in Allen, Frisco, Sachse, Richardson, North Dallas, and Dallas, there’s a Thrive office close to where you live or work.
Dental and orthodontic care under one roof. Because we also offer full general dentistry and preventive care, your orthodontic treatment is coordinated with your overall dental health — not siloed. Your regular cleanings continue throughout orthodontic treatment, and any dental issues that arise are handled by the same team.
Transparent pricing and flexible payment plans. We believe cost should never be a barrier to a healthy smile. We accept most major dental insurance plans with orthodontic coverage and offer flexible in-house payment plans for patients without insurance. Visit our insurance page for details or ask our team at your consultation.
Complimentary whitening for life. All Thrive patients receive complimentary custom whitening trays after completing orthodontic treatment — a finishing touch that makes a real difference in the final result.
The ideal time varies by patient. Most children who need braces begin treatment between ages 10 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is still active. However, the first evaluation should happen at age 7 per AAO guidelines. Adults can start at any age — teeth move effectively throughout life.
Treatment time depends on case complexity. Mild cases may complete in 12–18 months. Most moderate cases take 18–24 months. Complex bite corrections can take up to 36 months. Compliance — wearing elastics as directed, not breaking brackets, attending all appointments — has a significant impact on staying on schedule
There’s discomfort — not pain — associated with braces and aligners, particularly in the first few days after placement and after adjustment appointments. This is the natural result of teeth beginning to move. It typically resolves within 2–3 days and is managed well with acetaminophen and soft foods
Yes — at least at night. Teeth continue to have some tendency to shift throughout life, particularly in the first few years after treatment. Most patients wear retainers nightly on an ongoing basis. Think of it as a low-effort way to protect a significant investment.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, typically covering a portion of treatment costs. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Our team verifies your specific benefits before your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Visit our dental insurance page for more information.
In some cases, yes — but it depends on where you are in treatment and what movements still need to be made. This is worth discussing with our orthodontic team if you started braces elsewhere and want to explore options. Each case is different
Ready to take the first step? Book your free consultation at any of our six Dallas-area locations. Our orthodontic team will give you a clear, honest assessment of your options — no pressure, no obligation.
Orthodontic treatment is about more than straight teeth. It improves how your smile feels, functions, and supports long-term health. I love seeing patients light up as they gain confidence and discover how much easier it is to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Conveniently located throughout the Dallas area to serve you better
